Sharif Plans Return to Pakistan, Again

Exiled ex-PM has Musharraf's blessing this time, possible deal
By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 23, 2007 7:33 AM CST
Sharif Plans Return to Pakistan, Again
Supporters of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif shout slogans as they march towards the Supreme Court, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2007, in Islamabad, Pakistan.   (Associated Press)

Nawaz Sharif, the former prime minister whom Pervez Musharraf deposed in his 1999 coup, is planning to return to Pakistan within days. Reuters reports that Sharif, who flew to Islamabad in September only to be promptly deported to Saudi Arabia, might be back in Pakistan in time to file for parliamentary elections. Musharraf is said to have assented to Sharif's return when he met with Saudi King Abdullah this week.

Musharraf's surprise visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday heightened speculation that the general might be reaching out to his long-time foe after sending him into exile and co-opting his political party. Whether the two men have made a deal is unclear, but markets in Pakistan were buoyed by the news: stocks in Karachi rose 1.4% after Sharif's expected return was announced. (More Nawaz Sharif stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X